Chapter 8: The Journey to a Familiar Place
Sakura looked bored as they walked the path. This was the same path they had taken to the Land of Waves on their first mission. In fact, they were going the same direction too. Instead of branching off on any of the many paths that branched off the main path, they continued forward.
Sasuke looked like he had just discovered the same fact. Why were they going back to the Land of Waves?
Naruto didn't seem to notice. He was trying to ignore Lee again.
Tenten was looking at the trees on either side of the path. She turned to talk to Neji after a few minutes, she looked worried. Sakura wondered if Tenten knew something she didn't.
Kakashi was walking forward with his head low as Gai was discussing the importance of youth. Why did he have to always talk about youth?
Sakura directed her attention back to the path, just in time to see the tree branch that slammed into her large forehead. She fell onto her back, her pack cutting into her shoulders.
Everyone turned toward her. Naruto was the first to react, coming towards her and yelling her name as if she were miles away, instead of just a few feet away. That made her head hurt worse.
Kakashi went over and offered a hand to help her up. She took it and he pulled her up until she sat up strait. She took off her pack and put a hand to the large bump on her forehead. Sitting up made her feel dizzy.
Kakashi looked at the bump and took something out of his pack. A small bottle with a bluish liquid in it. He removed the cork and offered it to her. "It will help ease the headache," he explained.
"Thank you," she replied taking the bottle gratefully. She drank a mouthful and returned the bottle back to her sensei.
"Well, it seems that your students aren't as bright as you say, Kakashi," Gai remarked cheerfully.
Kakashi turned toward him and glared at him until Gai felt uncomfortable and started walking down the path again.
Kakashi offered Sakura his hand once more and pulled her to her feet.
"Gai's and idiot," Kakashi said.
"Why do you say that?" Sakura asked.
"Because of that," he pointed towards Gai.
She turned to see what he meant. Gai was looking at what looked like a large blank sheet of paper, turning it in every direction, like he was expecting to find something on it.
"Hm. Kakashi it looks as if someone has erased the map. I can't find anything on it," Gai said confused.
"That's because it's the back. Retard," Kakashi said flipping over the piece of paper.
"You might have one this time, Kakashi, but I will get you next time!" Gai yelled as if Kakashi had just foiled his evil plan.
"Whatever," Kakashi had started walking again with the six students following, "I already know the way, I've been there before."
"Wow, I've never heard Kakashi-Sensei call anyone an idiot or retard before," Naruto whispered, shocked.
"I know! Does he really hate Gai-Sensei that much?" Tenten replied just as shocked.
"Yes," Kakashi had overheard them (they were talking pretty loud for whispering).
They continued down the path and walked over the bridge leading to the Land of Waves.
"Ah, welcome back, Kakashi. I see you've brought more than just your students with you this time," Tazuna greeted them.
"Yes. This is Gai Maito and his students, Neji, Tenten, and Lee," Kakahsi introduced them.
"Welcome all of you! Please, you are welcome to stay at my home again. No charge," Tazuna replied seeming to be glad to see them again.
"Well...last time your home could barely fit all of us in there, along with your family."
"We've had remodeling done since I received all that money from building the bridge. It can fit all of you now, and more."
"...Well...If you don't mind."
"Of course!"
"All right then. It's better than renting several rooms at an inn."
"It's settled then! You can just come home with me, after I run a few errands that is. You don't mind, do you?"
"Of course not."
They went with Tazuna while he ran his errands, which took longer than expected.
By the time they got to Tazuna's house, it was dark outside.
Tazuna wasn't joking when he said they had remodeling done. The house was huge! All the students, and Gai, stared wide-eyed at the house. Kakashi had seen bigger houses, so he didn't really pay too much attention.
Tazuna opened the door saying, "I'm home." Inari jumped out of the open door yelling, "Naruto! Big brother!"
"Inari!" Naruto yelled.
The two of them started talking right away, telling all the things they've done since they last saw each other. That would've taken hours. Sakura and Tenten grabbed them and started to drag them away, they kept talking as if nothing were happening.
They each were given their rooms where they put their packs and belongings.
Sasuke flopped onto his bed, his arms crossed behind his head, and looked out of the window to his right. Slowly, his eyes started to droop. Then, he feel asleep facing the window.
Outside, a figure stirred in the branches across from a window with a boy sleeping on his bed. The figure made a sign with his hands, and two more came up to join him. He pointed at another window open on the first floor, with a man and his daughter talking to a man with silver hair and another wearing a green jumpsuit and a bowl-haircut. They would strike when everyone was asleep.
The first of the three whispered something quickly to each other and they climbed down.
Cliffhanger. Mwa ha ha! I'm evil. -ahem- So please review! Thanks to everyone who reads this!